Pittsylvania County fugitive ‘fished’ out of Dan River

Using thermal imaging goggles, law enforcement officers caught a Pittsylvania County fugitive hiding in the Dan River on Wednesday night.

Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Cpl. Jacob Sparks said he went into Sheetz on Riverside Drive to buy a drink when he spotted Rayquon Stone.

After a brief exchange with Sparks, Stone, 24, of Chatham, ran toward the wooded area along the riverbank, said Danville Police Lt. Mike Mondul. Danville police assisted the Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office in apprehending Stone, who was wanted for burglary, malicious damage, and assault and battery charges in Pittsylvania County.

“I guess he just decided to go for a little swim,” said Lt. Col. Ronnie Simpson of the Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office. “He probably didn’t know the river was up.”

Officers used thermal imaging goggles to locate Stone in the river and “fished him out,” Mondul said. Stone never crossed the river, but was found standing in the water.

Stone is currently being held in Pittsylvania County Jail.